Jackie Lopez |
Jackie started dancing at the age of 2 at Barbara & Tammy’s School of Dance in San Antonio, Texas. After years of performing, competing and extensive training, she became the studio’s principal choreographer and competition company director. Dance has granted her numerous opportunities. Jackie has performed at numerous shows, was cast as characters for Walt Disney World and Artisan Oddities Entertainment and has been recognized at local, regional and national levels for her choreography. In addition to working at the studio, Jackie regularly teaches technique at several high schools. She dances because it allows her to let go. When she’s dancing, she’s able to be herself and express whatever emotion she’s feeling. She continues teaching dance because she sees how dance contributes to a child’s development and their character. Being able to share her love for dance with her students and watching them grow into beautiful young dancers drives her passion. Without dance, she would not be the person she is today.
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Risa Avila |
Risa started dancing at the age of 2 at Barbara & Tammy’s School of Dance in San Antonio, Texas. She joined the competition company at the age of 6 and later the staff as a dance instructor. Risa was also a part of her high school dance team, the Dancin’ Cats for 3 years, as major her junior year and colonel her senior year. As colonel, she led her team to their first ever national title! After high school, she continued dancing on the UTSA pom squad for 3 years and graduated with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition to teaching at the studio, she is also a part of Artisan Oddities Entertainment’s dance company. Risa dances because it is an escape for her. She knows that no matter how her day is going, she can leave it all behind as soon as she starts dancing. Her dancing and choreography has awarded her regional and national titles. She continues teaching dance because she loves to inspire others and watch them grow as dancers and as people.
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Norma Cardenas |
Norma started dancing at the age of 7 in Mexico City. She performed and served as the dance captain in professional musicals, such as Godspell and Aladdin, along with numerous college plays. She was also a member of a dance crew that gave her the opportunity to perform in opening numbers at concerts and on TV shows. One fun fact about Norma is that she took advanced tap lessons from Eugenio Derbez, before he became a famous Mexican actor! She attended the Universidad Iberoamericana and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Architecture and has certifications in high - performance Design and Sustainability and Cecchetti ballet for grade 1. This fall, she will be pursuing a Master's of Science in Architecture. Norma dances because it is the air that she breathes. Dance has been her rock in hard times, and her joy in happy times. Her undeniable love for dance led her to receiving the “Emotional Connection Award” at Starbound Nationals. Norma continues teaching dance to help students grow into who they’re meant to be: strong, confident and joyful.
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Allison Dante |
Allison started dancing at the age of 2 and a half in San Antonio, Texas. She attended TJ’s Dance Factory for 16 years and was a part of their competition team for 7 of those years. Allison graduated from Northeast School of the Arts as a dance major in 2013. She continued her studies in New York City, where she attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and graduated from the conservatory program in 2016 with a Certificate of Dance Theatre. Allison dances because she fell in love with the art. For all these years, it’s been a way to express herself and stay active. Allison continues teaching dance because she’s found such fulfillment in sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of dancers. Allison especially loves watching the kids grow as humans and artists!
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Veronica Seca |
Veronica started dancing at the age of 2 and half at Camelia's Dance Arts in Laredo, Texas. She attended and competed with Camelia's Dance Arts until she left for college. She was also a member of her high school dance team, the United High School Larriettes. After high school, Veronica attended Texas State University and received a B.F.A. in Dance with an emphasis in pedagogy. Throughout college, she was a part of numerous performances within the Dance program. In addition to teaching at the studio, she is director of the Harlan High School Pep Squad. Veronica dances because it provides her an escape and a moment where she feels free. Dance allows her to be whoever she wants to be, while expressing the emotions and feelings she might not normally get the chance to. Veronica continues teaching dance because she finds it rewarding to share her passion and love for dance with her students. She also feels very strongly about how she is able to positively influence her students through dance. Veronica finds that seeing the growth in her students, regardless of whether or not they continue to pursue dance, makes it all worthwhile.
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Ariel Flores |
Ariel started dancing when she was 12 years old in San Antonio, Texas. She was a part of her high school dance team, the JMHS Star Steppers for 3 years, serving as major her junior year and lieutenant colonel her senior year. After high school, Ariel started teaching and choreographing award-winning hip hop routines. She continues dancing because it is what makes her feel the most alive and brings her happiness. She loves being able to express herself in ways that words can’t. She also considers teaching to be the greatest gift. Ariel loves educating her students and sharing her love for dance with them.
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Connee Angel |
Connee joined the Barbara & Tammy’s dance family in 2010 and started working at the studio in 2019. In the office, she helps with registration, billings, customer, service and customer inquiries. Additionally, Connee works with Ms. Barbara to plan and delegate tasks for studio events, performances, advertising and social media. Her favorite part about working at the studio is the “kiddos.” Over the years, the studio has remained a constant in her life, embracing her, her daughter and her parents both as family and a second home.
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Elizabeth Herrera |
Elizabeth started dancing at the age of 3 in Brownsville, Texas. Throughout her life, dance has brought her joy, been her passion and given her a sense of purpose. She teaches dance because it has been the driving force in her life for so long and given her so many opportunities, inspiration and lessons. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Texas Pan American (now known as UTRGV) with a B.A. in dance performance in classical ballet and modern dance with concentrated coursework in flamenco and Mexican folklorico. She has received numerous awards for her dancing, teaching and choreography, such as Teacher Of the Year, Overall Champion Solo and Best Duo. Elizabeth continues teaching dance because passing down all the knowledge and giving others the chance to experience all that dance has to offer feels important and natural to her.
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